Tool theft on rise in Newhall

Took thefts from vehicles are on the rise in Newhall, a Sheriff's Department official said Wednesday.

"We're seeing an increase in vehicle burglaries where tools were stolen," said sheriff's Deputy Joshua Dubin.Recently, thieves have broken into cars and stolen tools near Newhall Avenue, Valle Del Oro and Dockweiler Drive, Dubin said. Specifically, thieves target hammers, drills and other tools they can sell, he said.

"There's really only two ways of selling back the tools - pawn them or sell them to a friend or acquaintance," Dubin said.

On April 15, thieves broke into a white 1994 Econoline van parked on Newhall Avenue by smashing the driver's-side window to steal about $2,000 worth of tools, including a jackhammer worth $900, a sheriff's report said.

Thieves broke into a 2004 GMC pickup truck parked near Sierra Highway and Rainbow Glen Drive between April 13 and April 14 to snatch a dispenser gun worth $700, another report said. Dispenser guns are used to apply adhesives and sealants to building materials.

Along with these high-dollar tools, thieves are always looking for purses, wallets, iPhones and GPS systems left in vehicles, Dubin said.

"People shouldn't leave anything they value in their car," he said. "If you absolutely have to, leave it in your trunk."

"Statistics indicate there's less chance of having property stolen if it's left in the trunk."